Page 1 of 26 Report no.

: 190411074GZU-002

TEST REPORT
France_ UTE C 15-712-1: 2013
Low Voltage Electrical Installations Practical Guide
Photovoltaic installations without storage and
connected to the public distribution network
Report reference No....................... : 190411074GZU-002
Tested by Jason Fu
(printed name and signature) .......... : Technical Team Leader
Approved by Tommy Zhong
(printed name and signature) .......... : Technical Manager
Date of issue ................................... : 31 Oct., 2019
26 pages
Testing Laboratory Name ............. : Intertek Testing Services Shenzhen Ltd. Guangzhou Branch
Address ........................................... : Block E, No.7-2 Guang Dong Software Science Park, Caipin Road,
Guangzhou Science City, GETDD, Guangzhou, China
Testing location ............................... : Same as above
Address ........................................... : Same as above
Applicant's Name .......................... : Shenzhen SOFAR SOLAR Co., Ltd.
Address ........................................... : 401, Building 4, AnTongDa Industrial Park, District 68, XingDong
Community, XinAn Street, BaoAn District, Shenzhen, China
Test specification
Standard ........................................... : France_UTE_C_15_712-1:July 2013（in conjunction with DIN V VDE V
0126-1-1 VFR 2014 ）
Test procedure ................................ : Type approval
Non-standard test method .............. : N/A
Test Report Form No. .................... : France_UTE_C_15_712b
TRF originator . ................................ : Intertek
Master TRF ..................................... : dated 2018-04
Test item description .................... : Solar Grid-tied Inverter
Trademark ....................................... : SOFAR SOLAR
Manufacturer ................................... : Same as Applicant
Factory ............................................. : Same as Applicant
Model and/or type reference ........... : SOFAR 1100TL-G3, SOFAR 1600TL-G3, SOFAR 2200TL-G3
SOFAR 2700TL-G3, SOFAR 3000TL-G3, SOFAR 3300TL-G3
 Page 2 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002

Rating(s)........................................... : Model SOFAR SOFAR SOFAR

1100TL-G3 1600TL-G3 2200TL-G3
Max.PV voltage
500
[Vdc]
PV voltage range
50-500
[Vdc]
PV Isc [A] 15
Max.input current
12
[A]
Max.output
1100 1600 2200
power [W]
Max.apparent
1100 1600 2200
power [VA]
Nominal output
230
voltage [Vac]
Max.output
5.3 7.7 10.6
current [A]
Nominal output
50Hz
Frequency
Power factor
0.8Leading – 0.8 lagging
range
Safety level Class I
Ingress
IP 65
Protection
Operation
Ambient -30℃ - +60℃
Temperature
Model SOFAR SOFAR SOFAR
2700TL-G3 3000TL-G3 3300TL-G3
Max.PV voltage
550
[Vdc]
PV voltage range
50-550
[Vdc]
PV Isc [A] 15
Max.input current
12
[A]
Max.output
2700 3000 3300
power [W]
Max.apparent
2700 3000 3300
power [VA]
Nominal output
230
voltage [Vac]
Max.output
13 14.5 16
current [A]
Nominal output
50Hz
Frequency
Power factor
0.8Leading – 0.8 lagging
range
 Page 3 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002

Safety level Class I

Ingress
IP 65
Protection
Operation
Ambient -25℃ - +60℃
Temperature
Software version V 1.00
Summary of testing:

The sample(s) tested complied with the default type test requirement of France_UTE_C_15_712-1: July 2013

Copy of marking plate

The artwork below may be only a draft. The use of certification marks on a product must be authorized by
the respective NCBs that own these marks

Note:
1. The above markings are the minimum requirements required by the safety standard. For the final production
samples, the additional markings which do not give rise to misunderstanding may be added.
2. Label is attached on the side surface of enclosure and visible after installation.
3. Other labels are identical to above, except the model name and ratings
 Page 4 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002

Test case verdicts

Test case does not apply to the test object .: N/A
Test item does meet the requirement .........: P(ass)
Test item does not meet the requirement ...: F(ail)
Testing
Date of receipt of test item ..........................: 08 Oct 2019
Date(s) of performance of test ....................: 08 Oct 2019 to 30 Oct 2019
General remarks
The test results presented in this report relate only to the object tested.
This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of the Issuing testing laboratory.
"(See Enclosure #)" refers to additional information appended to the report.
"(See appended table)" refers to a table appended to the report.
Throughout this report a point is used as the decimal separator.
When determining the test conclusion, the Measurement Uncertainty of test has been considered.
This report is for the exclusive use of Intertek's Client and is provided pursuant to the agreement between Intertek
and its Client. Intertek's responsibility and liability are limited to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Intertek
assumes no liability to any party, other than to the Client in accordance with the agreement, for any loss, expense
or damage occasioned by the use of this report. Only the Client is authorized to permit copying or distribution of this
report and then only in its entirety. Any use of the Intertek name or one of its marks for the sale or advertisement of
the tested material, product or service must first be approved in writing by Intertek. The observations and test
results in this report are relevant only to the sample tested. This report by itself does not imply that the material,
product, or service is or has ever been under an Intertek certification program.
The test report only allows to be revised only within the report defined retention period unless standard or
regulation was withdrawn or invalid.

This report should be used together with report No. 190411074GZU-002

 Page 5 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002

General product information:

The unit is a single-phase PV Grid inverter, it can convert the high PV voltage to Grid voltage and feed into Grid
network.
The external circuit breakers or fuses for PV array and Grid connection are required which are stated
in the installation manual.
The unit is providing EMC filtering at the PV side and AC side. It does not provide galvanic separation from PV side
to Grid.
The unit has two controllers. The master controller A monitor the invert statue; measure the PV voltage and
current, bus voltage, AC voltage, current, GFCI and frequency, also communicate with the slave controller B
The slave controller B monitor AC voltage, current, frequency , GFCI and communicate with the master controller A
The relays are designed to redundant structure that controlled by separately.
The master controller and slave controller are used together to control relay open or close, if the single fault on one
controller, the other controller can be capable to open the relay, so that still providing safety means.
The topology diagram as following:

Model differences:
The models of SOFAR 1100TL-G3, SOFAR 1600TL-G3, SOFAR 2200TL-G3, SOFAR 2700TL-G3,
SOFAR 3000TL-G3 and SOFAR 3300TL-G3 are identical on topological schematic circuit diagram and
control solution codes. The difference between each other as following table:
Model SOFAR 1100 SOFAR 1600 SOFAR 2200 SOFAR 2700 SOFAR 3000 SOFAR 3300
TL-G3 TL-G3 TL-G3 TL-G3 TL-G3 TL-G3
Heatsink size 253*253.3*26.5mm 271*253.3*40mm
Inverter
0.99mH * 2pcs 0.676mH * 2 pcs
inductance
Bus
470uF /500V* 2 pcs 470uF/550V * 3 pcs
capacitance
Size 303*260.5*118 321*260.5*131.5

Other than special notes, typical model SOFAR 3300TL-G3 used as representative for testing in this report.
Factory information:
Dongguan SOFAR SOLAR Co., Ltd
1F-6F, Building E, No.1 JinQi Road, Bihu Industrial Park, Wulian Village, Fenggang Town, Dongguan City
 Page 6 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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Cl. Requirement - Test Result Verdict

5 Description of PV installations -
(informative)
6 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Earthing of the installation
installation
6.1 Diagrams of the earth connections of the Shall be considered in the end N/A
alternating current part installation
The earthing system has been produced in
accordance with the requirements of NF C 15-
100
When the PV installation is connected to the public
low-voltage distribution network in general, the
earthing system is of the TT type for which the
neutral conductor of the installations connected to
the network must not be earthed.
When the PV installation is connected to the public
MV distribution network via a HV / LV transformer,
the earthing scheme is TN or IT type.
6.2 Functional grounding of a polarity of the direct Shall be considered in the end N/A
current section installation
In a PV installation, the indirect contact protection
provisions do not use the principle of earth
connection schemes. The direct current portion is
made according to the rules of class II or equivalent
insulation
6.3 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Earthing of conductive masses and elements
installation
6.3.1 Direct current part Shall be considered in the end N/A
To minimise the effects of induced overvoltages, installation
the metal structures of the modules and the metal
support structures (including the metal cable runs)
must be connected to equipotential bonding,
which in turn is connected to the earth.
6.3.2 Alternating current part Shall be considered in the end N/A
All chassis on the a.c. side must be connected to installation
the earth via a protective conductor that meets the
requirements of paragraph 411.3.1.2 and section 5-
54 of N F C 15-100.
If a transformer is installed outside the inverter
(low voltage/low voltage or high voltage/low
voltage transformer), equipotential bonding is
required between these items of equipment.
6.3.3 Inverter Shall be considered in the end N/A
The inverter body must be connected to the installation

equipotential bonding via a conductor with a

minimum cross-section of 6mm2 Cu or equivalent
and to the protective conductor of the a.c. part.
7 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Protection against electric shock
installation
 Page 7 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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7.1 General Shall be considered in the end N/A

installation
The PV equipment of the DC section must be
considered live even if the AC section is
disconnected.
The DC voltage to be considered is the Uocmax
voltage of the installation.
7.2 Protection measure by TBTS or PELV on part Shall be considered in the end N/A
d.c. installation
The requirements of SELV or PELV are described
in article 414 of NF C 15-100 and are specified
below:
- the a.c. portion of the installation is separated by a
safety transformer conforming to standard NF EN
61558-2-6 or a safety converter in accordance with
standard NF EN 61046, in accordance with 414.3 of
NF C 15-100. The safety transformer or safety
converter may be integrated in or near the inverter
if the connection between the two devices is made
with Class II equipment or equivalent insulation.
- in PELV, a polarity of the part d.c. is connected to
the earth.
- SELV is forbidden if part d.c. has a functional
ground of one polarity
In cases where protection by SELV or PELV is
prohibited, the general protection measures apply
(double or reinforced insulation).
7.3 Protection against direct contact N/A
7.3.1 General case N/A
All connection points necessary for the realization
of a PV chain whose Uocmax voltage is greater
than 60 V, must be provided by connectors
including at its ends.
These connectors must comply with standard NF
EN 50521.
7.3.2 Case of installation in LV Shall be considered in the end N/A
Electrical equipment must be protected by isolation installation
of the live parts or enclosure.
Cabinets or boxes containing accessible active
parts must be capable of being closed either by
means of a key or by means of a tool unless they
are situated in a room where only knowledgeable or
qualified persons may have access.
Where cabinets or cabinets are not located in a
room where only knowledgeable or qualified
persons may have access, protection against direct
contact shall be provided when an access door is
opened using equipment which has been
constructed or installation, at least the degree of
protection IP2X or IPXXB.
 Page 8 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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Cl. Requirement - Test Result Verdict

7.3.3 Case of installation in SELV and PELV Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
When the nominal voltage of the SELV circuit is
less than or equal to 25 V RMS or 60 V DC smooth,
protection against direct contact by insulation of the
live parts or enclosure is not necessary.
When the nominal voltage of the PELV circuit is
less than or equal to 12 V rms AC or 30 V smooth
direct current, the protection against direct contact
by isolation of the live parts or enclosure is not
necessary.
7.4 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Protection against indirect contacts
installation
7.4.1 General Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
The rules for protection against indirect contact are
those set out in part 4-41 of NF C 15-100.
The circuits referred to in 411.3.3 of NF C 15-100
and in particular the circuits of living quarters must
be protected by a differential device of sensitivity
less than or equal to 30 mA.
This part attempts to describe the different modes
of protection of people against indirect contact in a
photovoltaic installation according to the provisions
implemented listed d.c. and the presence or
absence of a galvanic transformer isolation
between the parts d.c. and a.c.
7.4.2 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Continuous current part
installation
7.4.2.1 General Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
For the direct current part (PV modules, junction
boxes, chain cables, group cables, enclosures or
grouping cabinets ...), the protection against indirect
contacts must be achieved by at least one of the
following measures:
• protection by SELV or PELV;
• protection by double or reinforced insulation.
However, in the case of installation of
cabinets in a room or electrical service area
with access reserved for qualified
personnel, this cabinet may be class I.
7.4.2.2 Protection by double or reinforced insulation Shall be considered in the end N/A
The prescriptions of article 412 of NF C 15-100 installation
must be applied.
The protection against direct contact is provided by
a main insulation and the protection against indirect
contacts is provided by additional insulation, or
Protection against direct and indirect contacts is
ensured by reinforced insulation between live parts
and accessible parts.
 Page 9 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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7.4.3 Alternating current part Shall be considered in the end N/A

Protection against indirect contact is provided by installation
double or reinforced insulation or by automatic
power failure, according to one of the following
measures:
• in TT scheme by breaking at the first fault;
• in TN diagram by breaking at the first fault;
• in IT scheme by breaking the second fault.
Table 2 below summarizes the different
combinations according to the earth connection
diagrams on the a.c. side and on the functional
earthing or not on the d.c..
8 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Overcurrent protection
installation
8.1 Direct current part N/A
8.1.1 General N/A
Figure 7 below summarizes the operations involved
in selecting the overcurrent protection devices in
part d.c. and size the cables of this part.
8.1.2 Protection of PV modules N/A
In an installation with several PV module chains in
parallel, the modules must be protected against the
effect of reverse currents that may be generated in
the chains in the event of a fault.
If the PV generator consists of a single chain, the
reverse fault current does not exist, and no
overcurrent protection is required.
If the PV generator consists of two parallel chains,
the maximum reverse current that can circulating in
the faulty chain can be worth up to Iscmax. The
modules of the faulty chain are always able to
withstand this reverse current and no protection of
the chains overcurrent is not required.
If the PV generator consists of Nc parallel strings
(Nc>2), the maximum reverse current which can
circulate in the faulty chain can be worth up to (Nc-
1) Iscmax A device of overcurrent protection is
required only if the number of channels.
8.1.3 Protection of PV chain cables N/A
The dimensioning of the PV chain cables takes into
account the choice of the PV module protection
device adopted in 8.1.2.
The dimensioning of the PV chain cables is done
using Table 6.
 Page 10 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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8.1.4 PV array cable protection N/A

In an installation with several PV groups in parallel,
the group cables must be protected against the
effect of reverse currents due to a short circuit in a
group.
If the PV generator consists of two groups in
parallel, the maximum reverse current flowing in the
cable of the faulty group can be up to
Iscmax_GROUP.
If the PV generator consists of Na groups in parallel
(Na> 2), the maximum reverse current flowing in
the cable of the faulty group can be up to (Na -1)
Iscmax_GROUP.
A protection device for PV group cables against
overcurrent is only required if their permissible
current is less than the maximum reverse group
current.
The dimensions of the protection devices and the
PV group cables are determined using Table 7.
8.1.5 Protection of main PV cable N/A
The main cable of a PV generator must be
dimensioned with a current Iz greater than or equal
to Iscmax_GEN.
NOTE Calculation of Iscmax_GEN = Nc Iscmax
The choice of the admissible current Iz of the main
cable PV must take into account the various
correction factors defined in part 5-52 of NF C 15-
100.
8.1.6 Characteristics of overcurrent protection N/A
devices
The overcurrent protection devices must be either
fuses compliant with standard NF EN 60269-1 or
circuit-breakers compliant with standard NF EN
60947-2. These devices must be implemented for
both polarities, regardless of the configuration of
the installation.

8.2 Alternating current part N/A

8.2.1 General points N/A

In the case of an installation connected to the
network via a branch line with limited power, the
minimum cross-section of the conductors
connected to the terminals downstream of the
general isolating and protection device is 10 mm 2
Cu.
 Page 11 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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8.2.2 Overload protection Shall be considered in the end N/A

installation
Alternating current circuits are protected against
surges in accordance with the requirements of
article 433 of standard NF C 15-100.
For each inverter, the operating current to be taken
into account is the maximum current given by the
inverter manufacturer or 1.1 times its rated current.
The rated current of the switchgear to which the PV
system is connected must take into account the
operating current of the inverter.
The choice of the rating of the protection device
must take into account special constraints such as,
for example, side-by-side mounting of equipment
used simultaneously at their nominal current and /
or high ambient temperature.
8.2.3 Short-circuit protection Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
In the event of a short circuit in an inverter or its
pipe, the inverter is considered as the load and the
public grid as the source.
The breaking capacity of the protective devices of
the network-connected installations is determined
taking into account the maximum short-circuit
currents likely to appear from the network.
In the case of a limited power connection, given the
upstream protection (presence of fuses AD), a
breaking capacity of 3 kA is sufficient for the short
circuit protection devices downstream of the
delivery point.
In the case of an inverter / transformer assembly,
for the installation part located between the inverter
and its LV / LV or HV / LV transformer located in
the vicinity, it is not necessary to provide a
protection device against short circuits between the
transformer and the inverter when this protection
function is provided by the transformer protection.
8.3 Protection of auxiliary circuits N/A
All auxiliary circuits powered by a voltage source
(voltage measurement, control, signaling, etc.)
must be protected against short circuits.
 Page 12 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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Cl. Requirement - Test Result Verdict

9 Decoupling protection The inverter is less than P

This protection is intended for the disconnection of 250KVA and equipped with the
the generators in case of: decoupling protection
• defect on the public distribution network; according to DIN VDE 0126-1-
• disappearance of power supply by the public 1
distribution network;
• variations in voltage or frequency higher than
those specified by the distributor.
This decoupling protection complies with the
provisions of the UTE C 15-400 guide. It is type B.1
for installations with a maximum total power of
inverter not exceeding 250 kVA and type H for
installations of higher power.
In installations with a total power of inverters not
exceeding 250 kVA, the decoupling protection can
be integrated into the inverters. It must then comply
with the pre-standard DIN VDE 0126-1-1 and its
amendment 1.
10 Prevention of degradation of photovoltaic N/A
installations
In order to prevent the degradation of PV
installations due to particular external influences
and the presence of direct current, and despite the
implementation of measures such as the imposition
of double insulation and single-conductor cables,
additional measures must be taken implemented
on the continuous current portion.
The measures to be applied are described in Table
8 and depend on:
• the grounding or not of a polarity d.c. for functional
requirements of a PV generator. Grounding can be
direct or realized through a resistor;
• the presence or absence of a galvanic isolation in
the inverter or in the alternating current section.
11 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Voltage drop
installation
11.1 General points Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
The objective of technical and commercial
optimisations is to minimise voltage drops.
11.2 Direct current installation Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
The authorised maximum drop in voltage in the
direct current part of the installation is between
3% and ImppSC C (STC: standard test
conditions).
 Page 13 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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11.3 Alternating current installation Shall be considered in the end N/A

installation
For PV installations directly connected to the LV
public distribution network, the maximum allowed
voltage drop between the ac terminals of the
inverter and the delivery point (NF C 14-100) is 3%
at rated power of the inverter (s). . It is
recommended to limit this voltage drop to 1% so as
to limit on the one hand the energy losses, and on
the other hand the decoupling momentum of the
inverter by preserving a margin between the
average operating voltage of the inverter and the
setting of its overvoltage protection.
For PV installations connected to the public MV
distribution network via an MV / LV transformer, the
same recommendations apply to the low voltage
part.
12 Sectioning, ordering and cutting N/A
12.1 Sectioning N/A
To enable maintenance of the PV inverters,
disconnecting means must be provided by inverter,
both on the DC and the AC side.
NOTE For high power inverters whose
maintainability can be ensured by replacing internal
components, the disconnecting device can be
integrated into the same enclosure.
Sectioning must be omnipolar.
The disconnecting devices installed on the DC side
may not have simultaneous opening of each
polarity.
12.2 Ordering N/A
To allow maintenance interventions, a cut-off
device must be provided inside or near the junction
boxes equipped with protection devices.
12.3 Emergency circuit-breakers N/A
12.3.1 General N/A
In application of the rules of 463 and 536.3 of NF C
15-100, emergency cut-off devices on the side a.c.
and on the side d.c. must be provided to cut off the
power supplies if an unexpected danger occurs.
Any emergency cut-off device must be omnipolar
and simultaneous.
These devices are either switches, circuit breakers
or contactors. Semiconductor devices do not meet
this requirement.
The controls for emergency cut-off devices on the
side d.c. and a.c. side must be easily recognizable
and quickly accessible. They are located near the
inverter.
Emergency shutdown devices must not be
integrated into the inverter.
NOTE For high power inverters, the switchgear can
be integrated into the same enclosure.
 Page 14 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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12.3.2 Direct current part N/A

A cut-off device must be provided upstream of the
inverter and its control must be arranged close to
the inverter.
The actuation of the emergency cut-off device can
be ensured by manual control or by remote control
action.
In the case of multi-input inverters, it is permissible
to provide emergency shutdown by separate direct
control devices.
12.3.3 Alternating current part N/A
The emergency shutdown can be ensured by a
manual control of the cut-off device or by means of
a remote control action.
12.3.4 Special provisions for living quarters N/A
In private residential premises (paragraph 771.463
of NF C 15-100), for direct current and alternating
current, only direct acting devices are authorized.
If the path between the inverter and the network
passes through the residential part, the emergency
shutdown device of the PV installation must be
installed, in accordance with paragraphs 771.463
and 771.558 of NF C 15-100, in the residential part
in the Housing Technical Sheath if it exists.
12.4 Emergency services intervention cut-off N/A
 Page 15 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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12.4.1 General points N/A

If a cut-off is required to allow the intervention of the
emergency services, it must meet the following
principles:
- cutting off all sources of electrical energy:
• PV generator;
• public distribution network
- the cut-off devices must comply with the following
principles;
• these devices are either switches, circuit breakers
or contactors;
semiconductor devices do not meet this
requirement;
• each device must be omnipolar and simultaneous;
the interruption of the PV generator circuit is carried
out as close as possible to the photovoltaic
modules, and in any event upstream of the
premises and clearances accessible to the
occupants;
- the controls of these cut-off devices for
intervention of the emergency services are
GROUPd together. In the case of installations on
an existing building, it is permissible to have
UnGROUPd orders.
The cut-off devices can be:
- with direct mechanical action;
- remote controlled (electric or pneumatic).
The remote control can be provided according to
one of the three principles:
• undervoltage release;
• current release device or powered actuator, via
cables of type CR1, by an AES (Electrical Safety
Power Supply) implemented according to the
paragraph 562.8 of NF C 15-100;
• Pneumatic actuation with a compressed gas
energy source and copper or steel pipes (according
to the NF EN 12101 series of standards).
The signaling of the effective action of cutoff must
be carried out by indications of measures voltage or
O / F type free-loop devices. In the case of use of
the measurement of voltage d.c., it should then be
taken between the cut-off device and the to secure.
The cables used for signaling are CR1 type.
This signaling is ensured by the extinction of a
white light which indicates the effective cut.
 Page 16 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
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12.4.2 Additional provisions N/A

If it is required to lower to a value below 60 V d.c.
the voltage of the PV generator circuit in upstream
of the cut required in the general provisions of
12.4.1, this is achieved by:
• an electromechanical break in load or off load
in series in each chain PV per section whose
voltage Uocmax is less than or equal to 60 V, or
• electromechanical or electronic short-circuiting
systems for which the Uocmax voltage is less
than or equal to 60 V, or
• electromechanical or electronic short-circuiting
systems per module
The operational safety of these principles requires:
• a positive security command;
• in the case of an electromechanical outage,
the order must be performed after opening the
downstream charging device. Implementation of
these materials must comply with the rules of
double insulation (or reinforced insulation)
imposed in this part of the installation and this
for a voltage corresponding to the Uocmax
voltage of the chain.
13 Protection against overvoltages of atmospheric N/A
origin or due to maneuvers
13.1 General N/A
The information in this chapter deals with surge
protection for photovoltaic installations connected to
the grid in addition to the standard NF C 15-100
andUTE guide C 61-740-52.
NOTE In view of the sensitivity and location of
photovoltaic modules, particular attention should be
given to also be brought to protection against the
direct effects of lightning, in particular for
important. This subject is treated by standards NF
EN 62305-1 to -3 (C 17-100-1 to -3) and standard
NF C 17-102
13.1.1 Principles of protection N/A
13.1.1.1 Equipotentiality protection N/A
As described in section 6.3, a protective
equipotentiality conductor must connect all metal
structures of the modules and the metal structures
of the PV installation supports (including including
metal cable trays) in the presence or absence of
surge arresters. This driver
must be connected to the ground.

13.1.1.2 Protection by surge arresters N/A

The installation conditions of the surge arresters
are described in 13.2

13.2 Shall be considered in the end N/A

Installation conditions for surge arresters
installation
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13.2.1 Arrester installation condition a.c Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
The provisions of Articles 443 and 534 of NF C 15-
100 apply.
The map showing the densities of lightning (Ng) in
France is attached in Appendix C.
13.2.2 Shall be considered in the end N/A
Surge arrester installation condition d.c.
installation
13.2.2.1 Installation without lightning rod N/A
The length L is the cumulative distance between
the inverter (s) and the input points of the
further apart, considering each path (see Figure 8).
13.2.2 Installation with lightning rod N/A
The implementation of arrester (s) is mandatory on
the generator side d.c. :
⚫ metal structure of the PV modules connected
to the lightning rod: Type 1;
⚫ PV production plant on the ground with
lightning rod: Type 1;
⚫ metallic structure of the PV modules not
connected to the lightning conductor: Type 2.
In the case of implementation of Type 1 surge
arresters, one is implemented on the modules side,
the other is implemented on the inverter side.
In the presence of lightning conductors, the choice
and the implementation of surge arresters are
made in accordance with the UTE guide C 61-740-
52..
13.3 Surge protection of installations without N/A
lightning rod

13.3.1 Choice and implementation of surge arresters N/A

on the a.c.
When a surge arrester is prescribed for the part
a.c. of a PV installation connected to the network
public low-voltage distribution, it is always installed
in the table located closest to the origin of the
installation in the installation.
According to the UTE guide C 61-740-52, the
voltage seen by the equipment depends on their
distance relating to the surge arrester. Beyond 10
m, the value of this voltage can be doubled under
the effect of resonances (amplification phenomena
due to the high frequencies of the original
overvoltages lightning). In this case, a second
surge arrester is required as close as possible to
the inverter if the level Up protection of the surge
arrester located near the origin of the installation is
greater than 50% the shock resistance of the
inverter.
The selection and implementation are carried out in
accordance with the rules set out in Articles 443
and 534 of NF C 15-100.
For installations connected to the MV network, a
specific study is to be validated with the distributor.
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13.3.2 Choice and implementation of surge arresters N/A

on the d.c.
When a surge arrester is prescribed for part d.c. of
a PV installation, it is always installed
in the table closest to the inverter.
According to the UTE guide C 61-740-52, the
voltage seen by the equipment depends on their
distance relating to the surge arrester. Beyond 10
m (see Figures 11 and 12), the value of this voltage
can be doubled under the effect of resonances
(amplification phenomena due to the high
frequencies of overvoltages of origin lightning). In
this case, a second surge arrester is needed close
to the modules if the protection level Up of the
surge arrester located near the inverter is higher
at 50% of the withstand voltage of the photovoltaic
field Uw (see Table 10).
13.3.2.1 Choice of In N/A
In rated discharge current of a surge arrester in 8/20
μs waveform (in kA)
Type 2 surge arresters have a minimum value of
the nominal discharge current In of 5 kA.
A rated discharge current greater than the required
value will provide a longer service life.
long to arrester.
13.3.2.2 Choice of Imax N/A
Imax: maximum discharge current of a surge
arrester with wave 8/20 μs (in kA)
This parameter is used for energy coordination of
surge arresters: refer to manufacturer's information.
NOTE This coordination can be done, by analogy
with the a.c. networks, according to the rules of the
guide UTE C 61-740-52.
13.3.2.3 Choice of Iimp N/A
The shock current Iimp of the type 1 surge arresters
is chosen according to the UTE guide C 1-740-52
or by default with a minimum value of 12.5 kA.
13.3.2.4 Choosing Up N/A
The value of Up must be less than 80% of the value
of the rated impact voltage materials to protect.
The rated Uw impulse voltage for modules and
conversion equipment is given in Table 10.
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13.3.2.5 Choice of UCPV N/A

UCPV maximum steady state voltage of a
photovoltaic arrester dedicated to the protection of
part d.c. of the PV generator
The value of the maximum permissible voltage for
the UCPV surge arrester must be selected function
of the maximum empty voltage of the PV generator
corresponding to the given voltage UocSTC by PV
module manufacturers. The UCPV voltage must be
greater than or equal to the voltage
Uocmax maximum of the photovoltaic generator.
Whatever the modes of protection of the surge
arrester, it must also be able to withstand the
maximum voltage Uocmax between its active
terminals (+ and - terminals) and the earth.
13.3.2.6 Choice of ISCPV and protection device N/A
associated with surge arrester

13.4 Supplementary rules for overvoltage protection N/A

of installations with lightning rod
The rules are defined in the UTE guide C 61-740-
52.

14 Choice and implementation of materials N/A

14.1 General N/A
14.2 Pipelines N/A
14.3 PV modules N/A
The PV modules must comply with the standards in
series NF EN 61730.

14.4 Inverters P
The injection inverters must comply with the
standards IEC 62109-1 and NF EN 62109-2.
Current sizing of the injection inverter must be
based on ImppSTC.
The direct current generated by the injection
inverter (s) on the public distribution network
must be less than 0.5% of its rated current.
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14.5 Equipment N/A

All equipment installed in the d.c. part must be
adapted for operation in direct current and be
selected and installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
Equipment installed in the d.c. part must be of the
industrial type, in other words compliant with the NF
EN 60947 series of standards.
⚫ The characteristics of switches, switch-
disconnectors and fuse-combination units
must conform to the operating category
DC21 B.
⚫ The characteristics of disconnectors must
conform to the operating category DC20.
⚫ The characteristics of contactors must
conform to the operating category DC1.
14.6 Equipment assemblies N/A
The direct current and alternating parts of the
installation can be accommodated in the same
panel if there is a physical separation of these two
parts.
For the d.c. part, it is imperative to protect all the
connections or disconnection devices against
accidental or unauthorised opening when live in
accordance with 536.2.3 of standard NF C 15-100.
To this end, a notice "Do not operate when live"
must be placed inside the boxes or cabinets near
these disconnection devices.
Furthermore, in premises accessible to persons
other than those with the requisite authorisation or
qualification (BA4 or BA5):
⚫ The design or installation must be such that it
is only possible to disassemble the connection
devices with the aid of a tool;
⚫ Equipment that does not have an under load
circuit-breaking feature must require the either
the use of a key or tool or the direct operation
of a device with an under load circuit-breaking
feature.

14.7 Connectors N/A

In the d.c. part, the connectors used must comply
with the standard NF EN 50521.To guarantee the
quality of the connection and limit the risks of an
electric arc that could spark a fire, each pair of male
and female connectors to be assembled, must be
of the same type and the same brand.

14.8 Surge arresters N/A

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14.8.1 Choice of Surge arresters N/A

The lightning arresters installed in the a.c. part of
the PV installation must comply with standard NF
EN 61643-11.
The surge arresters installed on the part d.c. of the
PV installation must meet the requirements of the
standard NF EN 50539-11.

14.8.2 Installation of Surge arresters N/A

Alternating current and direct current lightning
arresters are installed in accordance with the
regulations set out in guide UTE C 61-740-52.
15 Markings P
15.1 Identification of components P
The main components comprising the
photovoltaic installations must be identified and
marked with clearly visible labels fixed
permanently in accordance with the installation
plans and diagrams:
15.2 Labelling Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
For safety reasons and to alert the different
people carrying out work in and around the
building (staff tasked with maintenance work,
inspectors, public distribution network operators,
emergency services, etc.), it is imperative that the
presence of a photovoltaic installation on a building
is indicated.
15.2.1 Labelling on the a.c.part Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
15.2.2 Labelling on the d.c. part Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
All the junction boxes (PV generator and PV
groups) and d.c. ducts must carry a visible and
permanent marking indicating that live parts within
these boxes may remalin under voltage even after
the inverter has been disconnected on the direct
current side.
15.2.3 Labelling on the inverter Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
All inverters must bear a marking indicating that
before any work is carried out, the two sources of
voltage must be isolated.
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15.3 Specific Labels for Emergency Response N/A

If specific labeling for the intervention of the rescue
services is required, it responds to principles
described below.
The purpose of this signage is to provide
emergency services with information that enable a
decision-making approach to quickly know:
• if and how secure is the area accessible to
people to be rescued;
• if there are cut-off devices according to
paragraph 12.5 and if the cut is effective.
This signage affixed next to the general control and
sectioning device (or AGCP) will complete the
signage dedicated to the general control devices
and severing of consumption and production
facilities as defined in paragraph 12

16 Technical file Shall be considered in the end N/A

installation
The technical file must include the following items
drawn up in French:
⚫ A circuit diagram of the photovoltaic system;
⚫ The list of installed equipment mentioning
the characteristics and references to the
replacement parts (fuses, lightning arrester
cartridges etc.);
⚫ An installation diagram for the various
photovoltaic components and modules as
well as the corresponding connections
(ducts);
⚫ A description of the procedure for working
on the photovoltaic system and safety
instructions.
17 Maintenance of photovoltaic installations Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
17.1 General Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
The minimal technical maintenance work must be
provided for during the life cycle of a photovoltaic
installation to maintain or restore the installation to
a state in which it can fulfil the function for which it
was designed.
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17.2 Types of maintenance and periodicity A Shall be considered in the end N/A
installation
The following three types of maintenance will be
distinguished corresponding to the operations of:
⚫ conditional maintenance, based on
monitoring of significant parameters the
installation;
⚫ predictive maintenance, performed according to
the extrapolated forecasts of the analysis and
evaluation of the significant parameters of the
degradation of the property (eg corrosion);
⚫ Systematic maintenance, carried out at pre-
established time intervals and without prior
checking of the condition of the property or its
component parts; the recommended
periodicity is one year.
For all types of installation, apart from individual
living quarters not intended for temporary or
seasonal occupancy, the three levels of
maintenance should be considered.
17.3 Technical areas covered during maintenance N/A
A distinction is made between operations relating to
the safety of persons and property, and actions
relating to functional reliability.

Annex A Agreements between the administrator of the N/A

public distribution network and the
user/produce

A1 Provisions for limiting effects adversely N/A

affecting supply quality
The study of the connection by the administrator of
the public distribution network requires the
communication of the characteristic data for the
project, the generators and the provisions for
connection to the network. The administrator of the
public distribution network may disclose date
sheets summarising the minimum list of data
required to study the request.

A2 Choice of tripping device and approval N/A

The installation or modification of a tripping device
must be subject to an agreement with the
administrator of the public distribution network. This
process knust take account of the situation and the
features at the point of delivery and must therefore,
where necessary, be coordinated with the
connection study for the site.
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A3 Start-up by the administrator of the public N/A

distribution network
For installations with a power of less than 250
WA, this step is subject to prior submission of
proof of conformity stamped by CONSUEL
(Comite National pour la Securite des Usagers de
I'Electricite, the National Committee for the Safety
of Users of Electricity).
Annex B Cables for photovoltaic installations - values for permissible currents -
(informative)
Specific cables for photovoltaic installations have N/A
been refined in order to meet the needs of these
installations. The tables below, taken from
document UTE C 32-502, give the values for the
permissible currents for cables compliant with this
guide.
Annex C Keraunic levels in France and in the overseas departments -
(informative)
 Page 25 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
Appendix A: Photos

Overview

Rear view
 Page 26 of 26 Report no.: 190411074GZU-002
Appendix A: Photos

Connection Interface

Internal view

--- End of test report---